Susan Boyle, An Unlikely Singing Sensation

Meet The "Nearly 48, Currently Unemployed," Single Scotswoman With A Voice Powerful Enough To Wow Simon Cowell

(CBS/AP)  A middle-aged volunteer church worker with the voice of an angel is Britain's latest unlikely showbiz star.

Susan Boyle, 47, wowed judges and audience alike when she performed on the television contest "Britain's Got Talent."

When Boyle stepped on stage she told the show's judges, "I'm nearly 48, currently unemployed but still looking…"

But not likely unemployed for much longer, reports CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips. By Wednesday morning, a video clip of Boyle's performance on YouTube had been viewed more than 5 million times.

The unemployed Scot who said she'd "never been kissed" drew titters when she told the judges her ambition was to be a professional singer.

But her soaring rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical "Les Miserables" astonished the show's hard-to-please judges.

They were captivated by the singer from Blackburn in western Scotland. Usually acerbic judge Simon Cowell dubbed her singing "extraordinary." Fellow judge Piers Morgan said her "stunning" performance was "the biggest surprise I've had in three years of this show."

The show, the first in a new series of "Britain's Got Talent," was watched by 11.4 million of Britain's 60 million people on Saturday night.

Boyle is what these shows love, reports Phillips, "not just a talent, but an unlikely talent - and one with a touching back story."

Learning difficulties as a child led to bullying at school, and Boyle promised her recently deceased mother she'd honor her memory by auditioning for the show.

British bookmakers made Boyle the early favorite to win the series.

"They may as well cancel the rest of the competition now," quipped Phillips on The Early Show, "But of course, they won't."

She is the latest in a proud tradition of underdogs who win the heart of the British public.

"Britain's Got Talent" made a star of its first winner, an unassuming mobile phone salesman named Paul Potts. He wowed audiences with his rendition of the aria "Nessun Dorma" and has become a global recording star since winning the series - and signing to Cowell's record label - in 2007.

Phillips reports that Boyle is already talking to a record company about a possible contract.

[dreamerinkc]

Susan you have given the world something to feel good about, and get behind. Don't change and keep singing with your heart. You are a true Cinderella story. I feel like you are living the story for so many of us. Keep on strong

[Meg003]

If you change Susan in any form, you have killed the dream all of us dream.
Posted by clancy49

Are you serious? You want to freeze her into the look she wore the first time you saw her? Of course Susan will change. She changed her own life by deciding to perform in public.

Wearing more flattering clothes or wearing her hair differently will not magically remove Susan's singing powers. Why should she be chained to an image because of viewers' opinions?

She should make her own decisions. If they include improving her wardrobe, hair, and makeup or not, that is up to her and should be respected as a personal choice.

[broadpowers]

Susan your mother would be very, very proud! I believe your voice is as nice or nicer than Elain Page's voice, and she has a good one.

Susan, I told my three young daughters that Susan Boyle will probably be on Opra and Ellen, one daughter said no not Ellen, but today we hear Opra has sent an invitation for you to appear on her show.

We are cheering for you and want to here more of your beautiful voice!

Best wishes from the Stewart Family, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

[tiggerrific2]

What a wonderful voice!! I want to hear more from her. Who ever has the power please protect her and keep her safe so that we may all enjoy more of this beautiful person and her wonderful voice.

[lademarco]

I'll always remember where I was the first time I heard the voice of an angel-Susan Boyle! The stellar performance from this unassuming lady overwhelms me with tears of joy every time I hear her sing.
Thank you Susan for honoring your promise to your mother to audition for Britians Got Talent. That commitment has positively impacted many lives.
Thank you Susan for sharing your heart and soul with the world.

[skidbarn]

I really dont want to see susan change in any way , the world has fallen in love with her as she is , for anyone to suggest her to change her appearance or any part of her would be an injustice , let her be herself , one of a kind , trully a diamond in the rough

[mikesemenuk2]

I never comment on these things but had to create an account here because this is unbelievable. In today's "politically correct" world, a political correctness that has grown to sickening levels so as you can't even really say anything without someone jumping all over the comment; how can this slide. What does appearance have to do with the sounds a little thing in you throat produce. This is so disgustingly hypocritical for anyone who has taken offense to anything on a "politically correct" topic without having related to that topic on a personal level. If you are one of those people who are so incredibly amazed that someone with this appearance could actually sing well, you should look at yourself and reevaluate.

On another note, good for you British singer girl, you sing well and hope this can take you somewhere.

[irislady60]

Susan,
I love listening to you sing. Since yesterday when I first heard you sing, I have listened to you over 30 times on Youtube. I feel so good inside after listening to you since. You have a beautiful smile and I know...you will be smiling more often.
Good fortune to you. I look forward to seeing more of you on Youtube and I know the whole world does too.

[valarece]

Susan gives hope to all of us with dreams. She is awsome!

[DaBooji]

This 69 year old american male tears up at thought of Susan Boyles performance
I want her to kick the ***** of all those wannabes who think they can succeed as singers with kitsch, loud Amps, bs and outrageousness.. Imagine all those years of putting herself last after looking after Mom and dreaming her dreams. Susan Boyle is the just desserts for all those others who have put the lives of others ahead of their own. Hooray, Susan! Kick ass and take names LOL

[flo4650]

Wow! I was so overwhelmed. I had everyone I know watch the youtube video. They got teary eyed and goosebumps. It's great to know people can still appreciate substance over flash.

[cculposf]

Like everyone who has seen and heard Susan Boyle, my heart was drawn in with the clarity and crystal resonance of her singing. Her singing style and body type reminded me of Kate Smith who sang with the same clarity and meaning. Susan Boyle is a tuning fork and all of us around the world are resonating to her musical talent. What a joy and gift you are to the world and dare I say to the universe.
From a fan in Chicago, IL

[clancy49]

Can anyone understand the phenomenon? I think I do understand it. Susan is like you, me, and the vast majority of the people on the planet. We are unknown, simple, and do not fit the Botox Plastic images of the beautiful people. We accept beauty based on what we are told is beauty. Then every rare once and a great while true beauty shocks our accepted complacent minds into exactly what true beauty is. Susan didn't sing to win. That was obvious. Susan sang with the joy of singing. That was clear. We are drawn to her because of that pure sweet innocence. I hope nothing changes about her, because she gave me hope for humanity. If the world makes her a Botox Plastic person she will lose that innocence and will alter her true beauty and talent. The phenomenon as I understand it is: Susan is us. To quote the last line of this Les Miserables classic is "Now life has killed the dream I dreamed." If you change Susan in any form, you have killed the dream all of us dream.

[Drew4463]

BRAVO!!!!! Absolutely stunning performance. Susan you are a tribute to true talent, and your success and future is the best news worthy topic in the WORLD. You are gifted and you charmed the hearts of the world. I wish you all the success life can give you. BRAVO!!!

[teriellen]

This is probably the most touching story & singing that I have ever been privileged to witness! Susan Boyle, I hope you are able to read these comments.
I will be watching for you to show up on the Broadway stage in the near future.
Please accept my condolences at the passing of your mother, but it certainly has had its' "Silver Lining". She must be very proud of you!
I get goosebumps & teary every time I watch you perform! And I wish for you, a very bright future!!!

[dadw5boys]

All those Con Artist out there need to beware. There are thousands of us who are her fans. Know this; You harm this wornderful Lady and you place yourself in harms way. So tread lightly.

[Ignatius_Reilly]

Shame on you, CBS, for this interview. It was exactly the train wreck that I feared. You provided neither a suitable setting and arrangement for an interview, nor for Susan to perform. What a whacked out idea....having her sing "in her kitchen." And, of course, she looked like she might have been blind. What were you thinking!

None of this was intentional, I am sure. It is just that you were determined to push your camera in there for "the get" under whatever conditions necessary. And Susan is not yet defended by people who can protect her from being set up to look a fool. This was disgraceful.

[u-r-right]

This is so refreshing to witness in this day where looks and dance moves mean more than real talent. Think of all the great artists of the past who we never would have heard of if looks ruled the criteria. Mama Cass, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and many others would not have much chance in the shallow world of today. I hope this lady goes far and opens the doors for many more just like her.

[ladypirate2]

It was priceless to me to see the difference in the looks on faces of the judges and the audience when she walked onto the stage and when she opened her mouth and began to sing! When she walked on the stage, they took one look at her and were repulsed. However, when she began to sing and they heard her beautiful voice, they were absolutely mesmerized and, I think, a little bit ashamed of themselves and they should be! This just goes to show you that you really can't judge a book by it's cover! Also I think when Susan began to sing they saw that she not only has a absolutely beautiful voice, they saw that she has the most important kind of beauty, inner beauty! It shined forth when she began to sing! You go Susan! You are beautiful!

[Meg003]

Just when I think those talent shows are a total waste of effort, someone comes along to make the entire genre seem worthwhile.

I's so glad to have heard Susan Boyle's lovely, amazing voice, and look forward to hearing more from her. She makes me think of wonderful musicals like My Fair Lady.